This is a quick post about meditating on the breath. My personal meditation practice has faltered over the last couple of years. I had hit a point that sometimes gets called the time of rolling up the mat i.e. packing up your meditation cushion when it gets tricky or weird.
Despite that, I still endeavour to be mindful during times of enjoyment, or times of stress and discomfort, and I still work with clients to experience the benefits of meditation. And now my own practice is flourishing anew.
Meditating on the feeling of breathing can be especially freeing. Unlike being mindful of one’s thoughts, emotions and body sensations, focusing just on the breath can offer a real space of quiet from the bustle of life. It will create the conditions for your nervous system to relax.
I encourage you to try it now. Don’t worry if other things come into your awareness, or if you keep losing your focus. Try to keep the feeling of breathing as your main focus, and if you notice your mind has wondered, gently (and kindly) bring it back.
Each time you come back your concentration will become a little stronger. If you stick at it long enough you may reach a state of access concentration, in which so much of your working memory is attending to the feeling of breathing that it is very enjoyable and easy to stay focused.
Access concentration is also the gateway to the jhanas, or states of absorption that are deeply pleasant to inhabit. Although, if you do find yourself wondering into this territory, I would suggest enlisting the help of an experienced teacher.
But for now, drop everything. You can always pick it up again in a minute. Find somewhere in your body where you can easily notice the feeling of breathing. Gently gather as much of your attention in that place as you can, without mentally straining. Let your breathing be just the way you find it. Over time it will probably slow down on it’s own.
Breathe in.
Breathe out.
Breathe in.
Breathe out.
Repeat…
Will Farmer Counselling 